Wildcat E-Type Low Drag coupe kit car
Discussion
Hello, appreciate I'm a little late to this forum.
Just to be fair the other forum members, I help out with the JPR owners club: http://www.jprwildcat.co.uk/
And I'm currently re-building one: http://www.jprwildcat.co.uk/richardschofield.html
So I'm probably biased.
I'm not here to defend or justify the price. It's worth what somebody is willing to pay for it.
I have no affiliation with he seller. I don't know who it is.
I honestly don't know what this car is worth. No one truly does as there almost no example to compare it against. Ok there are two right now, but that is really unusual.
What I do know is:
A series 1 roadster will cost you upward of £100k. £150k for a good example. £200k for an excellent example.
A series 1 2+2 can be bought for £35k up if you look hard.
A Series 2 or 3 in the above flavors are generally cheaper, but they are generally less desirable.
If you prefer a series 2 or 3, then you are in luck, you get the car you want without the higher price tag. Win.
A roadster isn't a better car than the 2+2, but they command 3 or 4 times the price because someone is willing to pay it. Or at least the seller think/hope someone will.
Now, if you are in the market for a low drag E-type, what are your options?
Well, Here is one valued at £345k https://www.trevorfarrington.co.uk/1962-jaguar-low... I think it's an original. I assumed it would cost a lot more.
Still, a bit steep for most people.
How about a modern recreation: https://classic-jaguar-racing.co.uk/product/full-a...
They are £5k cheaper so were heading in the right direction
Here is an excelled recreation for £200k. https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf14/london/lot... Amazing example
To my knowledge, someone correct me if I'm wrong, the Triple C Challenger was never built as a low drag.
So this example of a Wildcat may be the only available option (apart form the Cortina version) if you want to drive around in something that looks like a low drag e-type.
Here are some changes I would make.
Drop the suspension, I'd fit coilovers all round to dial it in exactly where I want it.
Obviously finish the interior.
As for the rear end, I find the difference quite subtle so I'm happy with it. Leave it alone.
I'll keep an eye on this one to see how it goes.
Just to be fair the other forum members, I help out with the JPR owners club: http://www.jprwildcat.co.uk/
And I'm currently re-building one: http://www.jprwildcat.co.uk/richardschofield.html
So I'm probably biased.
I'm not here to defend or justify the price. It's worth what somebody is willing to pay for it.
I have no affiliation with he seller. I don't know who it is.
I honestly don't know what this car is worth. No one truly does as there almost no example to compare it against. Ok there are two right now, but that is really unusual.
What I do know is:
A series 1 roadster will cost you upward of £100k. £150k for a good example. £200k for an excellent example.
A series 1 2+2 can be bought for £35k up if you look hard.
A Series 2 or 3 in the above flavors are generally cheaper, but they are generally less desirable.
If you prefer a series 2 or 3, then you are in luck, you get the car you want without the higher price tag. Win.
A roadster isn't a better car than the 2+2, but they command 3 or 4 times the price because someone is willing to pay it. Or at least the seller think/hope someone will.
Now, if you are in the market for a low drag E-type, what are your options?
Well, Here is one valued at £345k https://www.trevorfarrington.co.uk/1962-jaguar-low... I think it's an original. I assumed it would cost a lot more.
Still, a bit steep for most people.
How about a modern recreation: https://classic-jaguar-racing.co.uk/product/full-a...
They are £5k cheaper so were heading in the right direction
Here is an excelled recreation for £200k. https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf14/london/lot... Amazing example
To my knowledge, someone correct me if I'm wrong, the Triple C Challenger was never built as a low drag.
So this example of a Wildcat may be the only available option (apart form the Cortina version) if you want to drive around in something that looks like a low drag e-type.
Here are some changes I would make.
Drop the suspension, I'd fit coilovers all round to dial it in exactly where I want it.
Obviously finish the interior.
As for the rear end, I find the difference quite subtle so I'm happy with it. Leave it alone.
I'll keep an eye on this one to see how it goes.
montyjohn said:
Well, Here is one valued at £345k https://www.trevorfarrington.co.uk/1962-jaguar-low... I think it's an original. I assumed it would cost a lot more.
Still, a bit steep for most people.
That one is a (very good) replica, but comes with the all-important FIA papers giving you entry to all the right events. One of the very few originals would cost significantly more. Still, a bit steep for most people.
montyjohn said:
Hello, appreciate I'm a little late to this forum.
Just to be fair the other forum members, I help out with the JPR owners club: http://www.jprwildcat.co.uk/
And I'm currently re-building one: http://www.jprwildcat.co.uk/richardschofield.html
So I'm probably biased.
I'm not here to defend or justify the price. It's worth what somebody is willing to pay for it.
I have no affiliation with he seller. I don't know who it is.
I honestly don't know what this car is worth. No one truly does as there almost no example to compare it against. Ok there are two right now, but that is really unusual.
What I do know is:
A series 1 roadster will cost you upward of £100k. £150k for a good example. £200k for an excellent example.
A series 1 2+2 can be bought for £35k up if you look hard.
A Series 2 or 3 in the above flavors are generally cheaper, but they are generally less desirable.
If you prefer a series 2 or 3, then you are in luck, you get the car you want without the higher price tag. Win.
A roadster isn't a better car than the 2+2, but they command 3 or 4 times the price because someone is willing to pay it. Or at least the seller think/hope someone will.
Now, if you are in the market for a low drag E-type, what are your options?
Well, Here is one valued at £345k https://www.trevorfarrington.co.uk/1962-jaguar-low... I think it's an original. I assumed it would cost a lot more.
Still, a bit steep for most people.
How about a modern recreation: https://classic-jaguar-racing.co.uk/product/full-a...
They are £5k cheaper so were heading in the right direction
Here is an excelled recreation for £200k. https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf14/london/lot... Amazing example
To my knowledge, someone correct me if I'm wrong, the Triple C Challenger was never built as a low drag.
So this example of a Wildcat may be the only available option (apart form the Cortina version) if you want to drive around in something that looks like a low drag e-type.
Here are some changes I would make.
Drop the suspension, I'd fit coilovers all round to dial it in exactly where I want it.
Obviously finish the interior.
As for the rear end, I find the difference quite subtle so I'm happy with it. Leave it alone.
I'll keep an eye on this one to see how it goes.
My stepfather had a RV8 Wildcat and 2 Challenger E types, he used them for movie / film work. He recently sold the last one , a white Challenger for about 30k. He sold the blue one about 5 years ago for 22k. The silver Wildcat he sold for 10k about 7 years ago. It was not a patch on the Challengers , Wrong in almost every aspect. You cannot defend that car as it is your only option out there if you want a low drag....... That is a 10k car if you are lucky, wrong on almost every level you care to choose. 40k gets you the best Challenger on the market.Just to be fair the other forum members, I help out with the JPR owners club: http://www.jprwildcat.co.uk/
And I'm currently re-building one: http://www.jprwildcat.co.uk/richardschofield.html
So I'm probably biased.
I'm not here to defend or justify the price. It's worth what somebody is willing to pay for it.
I have no affiliation with he seller. I don't know who it is.
I honestly don't know what this car is worth. No one truly does as there almost no example to compare it against. Ok there are two right now, but that is really unusual.
What I do know is:
A series 1 roadster will cost you upward of £100k. £150k for a good example. £200k for an excellent example.
A series 1 2+2 can be bought for £35k up if you look hard.
A Series 2 or 3 in the above flavors are generally cheaper, but they are generally less desirable.
If you prefer a series 2 or 3, then you are in luck, you get the car you want without the higher price tag. Win.
A roadster isn't a better car than the 2+2, but they command 3 or 4 times the price because someone is willing to pay it. Or at least the seller think/hope someone will.
Now, if you are in the market for a low drag E-type, what are your options?
Well, Here is one valued at £345k https://www.trevorfarrington.co.uk/1962-jaguar-low... I think it's an original. I assumed it would cost a lot more.
Still, a bit steep for most people.
How about a modern recreation: https://classic-jaguar-racing.co.uk/product/full-a...
They are £5k cheaper so were heading in the right direction
Here is an excelled recreation for £200k. https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf14/london/lot... Amazing example
To my knowledge, someone correct me if I'm wrong, the Triple C Challenger was never built as a low drag.
So this example of a Wildcat may be the only available option (apart form the Cortina version) if you want to drive around in something that looks like a low drag e-type.
Here are some changes I would make.
Drop the suspension, I'd fit coilovers all round to dial it in exactly where I want it.
Obviously finish the interior.
As for the rear end, I find the difference quite subtle so I'm happy with it. Leave it alone.
I'll keep an eye on this one to see how it goes.
This and the £14k one seemed like a great idea, until seen. At £2k, the £40k one could make an interesting project using the chassis, and plastic as a basis from which to start. A 2.8 Nissan engine is bad enough, never mind a 4 pot Ford, complete with its associated suspension and brakes.
Not sure why you'd bother with any of these? If you want something that looks a bit like an E-type but don't want to spend the money, get a Triumph GT6 - they were always dubbed the "poor man's E-type" and in many ways a lot more fun for a lot less rust.
If you want something that's plastic and a bit like that, get a Marcos - at least you have a car with some racing heritage.
If you want something that's plastic and a bit like that, get a Marcos - at least you have a car with some racing heritage.
Pistom said:
Not sure why you'd bother with any of these? If you want something that looks a bit like an E-type but don't want to spend the money, get a Triumph GT6 - they were always dubbed the "poor man's E-type" and in many ways a lot more fun for a lot less rust.
If you want something that's plastic and a bit like that, get a Marcos - at least you have a car with some racing heritage.
It really depends what you want from a car.If you want something that's plastic and a bit like that, get a Marcos - at least you have a car with some racing heritage.
I like tinkering. Trying different things out to see what works and what doesn't. I therefore wouldn't want a car where originality is important.
Putting the price aside, an original E-type wouldn't give me everything I want. I'd still love one, but I'd still need another vehicle that I can loose a few weekends on.
And again, it's personal preference, I prefer the WIldcat looks to a TR6 or a Marco. I could be tempted by a TVR Griffith however.
With any kit car, it really depends on the effort of the builder.
A club member just sent me his pictures through of his car. Image below compares them side by side with an excellent original example.
Whilst it's not trying to be a replica, you can see the differences, for me it ticks all the boxes that an original one does.
For me the difference isn't worth £150k. You could probably buy the Wildcat in immaculate condition for £15 to £20k. Personally, I went down the route of buying a shed and enjoying the build.
Sahjahd said:
This and the £14k one seemed like a great idea, until seen. At £2k, the £40k one could make an interesting project using the chassis, and plastic as a basis from which to start. A 2.8 Nissan engine is bad enough, never mind a 4 pot Ford, complete with its associated suspension and brakes.
I think the Nissan may be a great engine to use. I'm not exactly sure which engine it has but the RB28 is used in the Skyline so great potential there.I went through dozens of engine options before settling on the BMW 2.8 M52 for my car.
I was tempted for a while to put a V12 in but being realistic my requirements are:
1. Powerful. I didn't want an engine with less power than the original.
2. Straight Six. The series 1 had the straight six so I wanted to keep that layout, sound etc.
3. Light. The wildcat weighs about 800kg to 900kg. Putting an old 250kg straight six Jag lump with a 100kg box up front will ruin the handling and performance. Light and powerful is more fun.
4. Reliable (I want to spend time improving my car, not struggling to keep it running)
5. Affordable (for me, I don't see the point in having a kit car, then spending £10k on an engine?). My BMW engine cost me £150 and the box was another £50. if it blows, I'll buy another.
An RB28 block only is £6k on eBay. linky
It's not too late for me to change my engine as I'm still early in the build, if anyone can think of a better alternative let me know.
Just to clear up some misunderstandings, there are only 2 Low Drag E Types built by Jaguar, the Lindner Nocker version and FX49, both different in appearance. Everything else is a copy, so those £200k copies are not real Low Drags. I would think if either of the real Low Drags came to the market they would be in Lightweight E Type money at least, ie £1m plus.
montyjohn said:
What I do know is:
A series 1 roadster will cost you upward of £100k. £150k for a good example. £200k for an excellent example.
A series 1 2+2 can be bought for £35k up if you look hard.
A Series 2 or 3 in the above flavors are generally cheaper, but they are generally less desirable.
.
No point in comparing it to an E Type, because it isn't one and never will be.A series 1 roadster will cost you upward of £100k. £150k for a good example. £200k for an excellent example.
A series 1 2+2 can be bought for £35k up if you look hard.
A Series 2 or 3 in the above flavors are generally cheaper, but they are generally less desirable.
.
Just take it as a stand alone car and as such the OP car is hideous and £40K is stupid money for a badly put together car. Is the track to wide for the wheels to fit properly ? That car could cost a fortune to finish and would probably need much of the work redoing.
The second car looks much more together, but its no E type.
Gary C said:
No point in comparing it to an E Type, because it isn't one and never will be.
Just take it as a stand alone car and as such the OP car is hideous and £40K is stupid money for a badly put together car. Is the track to wide for the wheels to fit properly ? That car could cost a fortune to finish and would probably need much of the work redoing.
The second car looks much more together, but its no E type.
Exactly.Just take it as a stand alone car and as such the OP car is hideous and £40K is stupid money for a badly put together car. Is the track to wide for the wheels to fit properly ? That car could cost a fortune to finish and would probably need much of the work redoing.
The second car looks much more together, but its no E type.
It's a part constructed kit car with some Jaguar suspension bits. It doesn't look as if it's been particularly well built so far.
Registration might be a problem.
CanAm said:
Agreed; basing it on Cortina running gear was doing it no favours.
I think kit cars today have some really exciting choices for running gear.Back in the late 80's however, you had, well the Cortina. The V6 wasn't a bad option however, they do sound good.
Or if you had a bit of extra cash then a rover V8 (if you can keep it running).
Interestingly there was a kit car company (never been able to work out who they are) that were building E-type kits in the 90's using RX7's as a donor. The wankle engine isn't for me but I get the interest. It's interesting tho' because the RX7 was an expensive car in the 90's, and building a kit form an RX7 would have likely cost more than just buying the equivalent E-type.
montyjohn said:
I think the Nissan may be a great engine to use. I'm not exactly sure which engine it has but the RB28 is used in the Skyline so great potential there.
I went through dozens of engine options before settling on the BMW 2.8 M52 for my car.
I was tempted for a while to put a V12 in but being realistic my requirements are:
1. Powerful. I didn't want an engine with less power than the original.
2. Straight Six. The series 1 had the straight six so I wanted to keep that layout, sound etc.
3. Light. The wildcat weighs about 800kg to 900kg. Putting an old 250kg straight six Jag lump with a 100kg box up front will ruin the handling and performance. Light and powerful is more fun.
4. Reliable (I want to spend time improving my car, not struggling to keep it running)
5. Affordable (for me, I don't see the point in having a kit car, then spending £10k on an engine?). My BMW engine cost me £150 and the box was another £50. if it blows, I'll buy another.
An RB28 block only is £6k on eBay. linky
It's not too late for me to change my engine as I'm still early in the build, if anyone can think of a better alternative let me know.
Here you go:I went through dozens of engine options before settling on the BMW 2.8 M52 for my car.
I was tempted for a while to put a V12 in but being realistic my requirements are:
1. Powerful. I didn't want an engine with less power than the original.
2. Straight Six. The series 1 had the straight six so I wanted to keep that layout, sound etc.
3. Light. The wildcat weighs about 800kg to 900kg. Putting an old 250kg straight six Jag lump with a 100kg box up front will ruin the handling and performance. Light and powerful is more fun.
4. Reliable (I want to spend time improving my car, not struggling to keep it running)
5. Affordable (for me, I don't see the point in having a kit car, then spending £10k on an engine?). My BMW engine cost me £150 and the box was another £50. if it blows, I'll buy another.
An RB28 block only is £6k on eBay. linky
It's not too late for me to change my engine as I'm still early in the build, if anyone can think of a better alternative let me know.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJR-XJR6-Superch...
As cheap as chips, as tough as old boots, and almost twice the power of the BMW lump.
Sahjahd said:
Here you go:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJR-XJR6-Superch...
As cheap as chips, as tough as old boots, and almost twice the power of the BMW lump.
Ye I did consider the AJ16 (after I abandoned the dream of squeezing my V12 in). After forgetting the V12 idea, I decided to focus on performance instead.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XJR-XJR6-Superch...
As cheap as chips, as tough as old boots, and almost twice the power of the BMW lump.
The Aj6/16 was my next obvious choice. I would have gone for the none supercharged version mind. Less plumbing, weight and whining so I’d be looking at the 4.0 AJ16 which is circa 246 bhp. I’m expecting 220 bhp form the BMW so similar power, but the torque is much higher on the AJ16. The reasons for choosing the BMW engine, as is often when you embark on such a task came down to practical reasons.
Mainly weight. It’s 240kg so 70kg more than the BMW engine. The JPR will hopefully only weight 800kg and the back end is very light, so I really have to keep the front end weight down if it’s going to have any real performance.
Second issue was packaging. It’s a really big engine and space is limited in the JPR engine bay. Not impossible, but would require some chassis modification as the chassis was built for Cortina parts originally. Modifying a chassis means IVA, Q plate, a whole avenue I wasn’t prepared to go down.
Finally, and I’m going form memory here, getting a manual box for these cars as I remember was nearly impossible. So then we are talking about custom conversion plates and trying to piece meal a working clutch together which would be a lot of hassle I wanted to avoid. All this adds to the cost and time.
Second finally, it would need to sit upright (as I have done with the BMW). The AJ16 cants over 20 something degrees and I don’t know if this has been done on the AJ engines before.
The BMW is a very small packaged engine, weights only 170kg, I bought it for £150, the manual gearbox was £50 and I think it weights something like 40kg which is nothing. Loads of cheap manual gearboxes out there and loads of aftermarket parts.
Putting a sensible hat on, it was the real winner of the two.
Without the sensible hat we were back to the V12 and god know what rabbit holes that would have taken me down.
Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff